The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't make some pretty and exciting pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but the organization did make the necessary one in selecting Derrick Harmon out of Oregon. Harmon is a powerful defensive tackle who will be able to come into the defense and contribute immediately while learning from perennial All-Pro Cam Heyward. The defensive line was an area that the Steelers needed to start addressing as the current group has been aging, and the team struggled to stop the run late in the 2024 season.
Harmon is a powerful interior defender, and he can plug up running lanes while also getting a push on the inside. This is critical in making opposing quarterback's feel uncomfortable, which typically leads to mistakes and turnovers. By no means is Harmon the front runner to win the NFL's Defensive Rookie Of The Year Award, but Seth Walder of ESPN recently predicted he will take home the hardware after having a very successful rookie season.
"Derrick Harmon, DT, Steelers." Walder said. "Pass rushing wins awards, and Harmon had the second-highest pressure rate at defensive tackle in the FBS last season. He'll also get less attention next to Cam Heyward, TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig."
While the rookie is a great player in his own right, he should be able to contribute right away thanks to everything he has around him. He will be playing between the best outside linebacker duo in the league in Alex Highsmith and TJ Watt. If either of them get tired and need a play off it will either be Nick Herbig or Jack Sawyer coming in to relieve them, which bodes well for the defense.
Harmon will not be the focal point of any opposing offensive line. Heyward, Watt, or Highsmith might be seeing double teams, which will open things up for the rookie. He led the FBS in total pressures during the 2024 season which shows that he doesn't shy away from putting pressure on the quarterback. Even if he doesn't get a ton of sacks, his pressure might force a quarterback to run right into Watt or Highsmith.
There is a world where Harmon winning the NFL's Defensive Rookie Of The Year doesn't seem that outrageous. He has all the tools around him, and he said himself that he didn't understand the medical concerns regarding him coming into the draft. If he can stay on the field consistently throughout his rookie year he should have the chance to make enough noise to put himself into the running for the award.
Steelers' Harmon Will Have A Lot Of Competition For DROY
Harmon is not going to be the only player looking to make a name for himself during his first season. There were some great defensive talents drafted into decent situations during the 2025 NFL Draft, and there are a few names that stand out. Two-way star Travis Hunter is going to be a front-runner to win the award, although it is unclear what the Jacksonville Jaguars plan to do with him. He could be playing a decent amount of offense which, might mean he misses out on defensive snaps.
Another name to watch is going to be Abdul Carter. He was the best pass rusher in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he was selected third overall by the New York Giants. This is one of the biggest media markets in the league, and while the NFL probably says that doesn't matter, it does. He is going to be talked about a ton while playing in New York, which will only help his case for Defensive Rookie Of The Year.
It will be interesting to see how the 2025 season unfolds, and it seems like any defender selected highly could come in and make an immediate impact on the field. Hopefully Harmon can do enough to stand out, and maybe even take home some hardware.
